Watermelon Cat Foundation Paper Pieced Quilt Block Pattern

This fun kitty is enjoying the ultimate summertime treat! It's a 6" paper-pieced quilt block pattern that combines paper-piecing with just a bit of applique and embroidery.

Cutting Instructions:

Note: When paper-piecing, I cut larger pieces than I actually need to ensure that I won't have problem covering an area if I don't place it in exactly the right spot. The cutting instructions below are for larger pieces. If you'd rather cut smaller, more exact pieces, feel free to do so.

Fabric:

Size & Shape:

For:

Background

3" square (Cut 1) Cut once diagonally for two triangles

A7, A8

Background

2-1/2" x 4" (Cut 3)

B1, B5, B6

Pink

4" x 7" (Cut 1)

A1

Green

1-1/2" x 2-1/2" (Cut 2)

A2, A3

Green

1-1/2" x 4" (Cut 1)

A4

Green

1-1/2" x 4-1/2" (Cut 2)

A5, A6

Yellow (Cat)

2-1/2" Square (Cut 1) Cut once diagonally for two triangles.

B2, B3

Yellow (Cat)

3" x 4" (Cut 1)

B4

Instructions:

Step 1: Print out the paper foundation pattern. Cut out each of the two paper-piecing units just outside of the dashed lines of the seam allowance.

Step 2: Using a VERY short stitch length setting on your sewing machine, paper-piece each unit following the numbers on the printed foundation.

Step 3: When both of the two units have been pieced, carefully trim away the excess paper and fabric by cutting on the dashed lines of the seam allowance.

Step 4: With right sides together, layer Unit B on Unit A. Pin in place, then stitch together using a 1/4" seam allowance. Remove the paper from the seam allowance (on both sides) and press this seam open.

Step 5: Carefully remove the paper from the back of the block.

Step 6: Lightly trace the face pattern on the right side of the cat's face. Using 2 strands of embroidery floss, outline stitch the mouth and satin stitch the nose and eyes.

Step 7: Trace the paws onto the paper side of fusible web (I used Heat and Bond Lite). Cut out the paws from the fusible web about 1/8" from the edge of the paw outlines.

Step 8: With a warm dry iron, apply the paws that you cut from the fusible web to the back of the yellow fabric. If the fabric that you are using for the paws is light and it appears that the green fabric is going to show through, apply fusible interfacing to the back of the fabric before applying the fusible web. (I had to do this for my example!)

Step 9: Cut the paws out on the lines and remove the paper backing from the fusible web.

Step 10: Using the block above as your guide, place the paws on the block and adhere them to the block using a warm, dry iron.

Step 11: Finish the edges with buttonhole embroidery by machine or by hand.